Detective unit, summer specials, drug dog among possible NPD cuts

By Jason Graziadei

Thursday

Nov 12, 2009 at 2:00 AM

I&M Senior Writer

Some of the Nantucket Police Department’s staple programs could be on the chopping block this budget season, with the summer special officers, beach patrols, the canine program, the school resource officer - even the entire detectives unit - now being considered for elimination.

With the town facing a projected $3.6 million deficit in the fiscal year 2011 budget, all departments have been asked to submit a list of areas and programs that could be reduced or eliminated to plug the gap.

In the case of the police department, chief Bill Pittman developed a list of programs that, in many case, have become an integral part of the island community, and services that have become expected at some levels.

Pittman said nearly everything not deemed absolutely essential to the operations of the police department will be considered, including the detectives unit, the school resource officer, the summer specials, parking enforcement, beach patrols and whether to make some full-time positions part-time.

“We’re in desperate times,” Pittman said.

To read the entire story, pick up this week's Inquirer and Mirror or register for the I&M's new online edition by clicking here.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The Inquirer and Mirror ~ One Old South Road, Nantucket, MA 02554 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service